Wyndham students will have improved access to higher education, with another university and TAFE announcing the opening of a campus in the municipality next year.
Deakin University and the Gordon Institute of TAFE will open a learning centre in Bridge Street, Werribee, joining Victoria University and Ballarat University in providing higher education courses in Wyndham.
Deakin vice-chancellor Jane den Hollander said the university wanted to boost higher education participation rates.
“The south-west of Melbourne is increasing its demand for higher education, with a 30 per cent increase in students enrolling in university over the past two years and an anticipated population growth of 6.2 per cent per annum,” she said.
The Gordon acting chief executive Lisa Line said the institute saw a need for more vocational education and training options.
The TAFE has already signed up as a partner for a new $9.5 million trade training centre that is being built across four local schools.
“The Wyndham region is forecast to continue to be a major contributor to Victoria’s growth over the next 30 years,” Ms Line said. “We recognise that vocational education and training aligned with community needs is essential to support sustainable growth.”
The Bridge Street learning centre will initially offer bachelor degrees and pathway programs including certificates and diplomas in commerce, early childhood education and science. It will open early next year.
Professor den Hollander said students who completed a pathway program in Werribee would be able to transfer to Deakin or The Gordon campuses in Geelong to complete their qualifications.
Advocacy group LeadWest has welcomed the increase in education opportunities. Business manager Craig Rowley said it would offer students more choice.
